So this is my first post. I am hoping someone can offer some advice or share a similar experience. I am in my 30's and am facing having to get dentures. I just had another infected tooth that had to be extracted. The pain in my mouth never ends. I have ccavaties, sensitivity, bone loss, etc. I am uninsured so I have to pay out of pocket for all dental work. If I had insurance, or better yet had a money tree, what would you suggest; implants or dentures? Any information or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Hi tigerfan,

I am in the dental field and can offer you some information here.

Money aside......
Dental Implants that hold a full denture in place can be a good alternative to a removable full denture as the implants would give it more retention. However, dental implants should only be placed in healthy jaw bone in healthy people. Otherwise, the infection and failure rate are high.

About the money...
Dental implants are extremely expensive and so is the implant denture. The surgery is quite extensive and the entire process is very time involved. So if you are in the high failure risk category, then it may not be wise to choose the implants.

People who have frequent cavities and tooth infections generally have periodontal disease. This disease causes progressive bone loss to occur. Even after the teeth are removed, if the disease is not brought under control, the bone loss of the jaw bone will continue.

Regarding dental insurance...

Most dental plans do not cover dental implants that are replacing teeth that were extracted prior to the coverage. The insurance that is available for dental implant is very limited and would not even cover the cost of one implant. So dental insurance is best for preventive care, routine care, basic restorations and some major work. But again, dental insurance is limited to a yearly amount of $1000 (rarely to $3000) depending on the plan that you would have.

I don't know your particular reason for having such severe dental problems but your age really has nothing to do with having dentures. It is your health that is most important and dental infections, cavities are also infections, can cause infection to occur elsewhere in your body. So perhaps that knowledge will help you make an informed decision as to what you feel is best for you.

All the best,
Bryanna